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Key Techniques for Cultivating Middle-aged Shrike Crab
Scylla serrata, commonly known as the blue crab, is a highly valued species in aquaculture due to its fast growth, strong adaptability to varying salinity and temperature levels, delicious meat, rich nutritional content, and high economic value. In China, S. serrata has been farmed for over a century, initially used for fattening and stocking purposes. Since the late 1980s, with the advancement of artificial breeding techniques, the industry has flourished, particularly in coastal provinces such as Fujian, Guangdong, Zhejiang, Guangxi, and Hainan. The enthusiasm for blue crab farming has grown significantly, leading to expanded aquaculture areas, increased production, and improved efficiency. This progress has helped establish the blue crab as one of the key species in China’s marine aquaculture sector.
Despite this growth, the industry still heavily relies on wild-caught seedlings, which are in short supply. This shortage of quality seedlings poses a major challenge for further development. As noted by Blackshaw in his 1999 book *Mud Crab Aquaculture & Biology*, the availability of seedlings remains a critical constraint in blue crab farming. Research into artificial breeding techniques is essential to overcome these challenges and ensure sustainable growth.
Since the mid-1980s, researchers at Xiamen University have conducted extensive studies on the reproductive biology and artificial breeding of blue crabs. They achieved significant breakthroughs, developing a complete artificial seedling cultivation process. By the mid-1990s, mass production was possible, and the technology began to be promoted. However, many farmers in China still raise only juvenile crabs, skipping the crucial stage of large-eyed larvae, which significantly reduces the metamorphosis rate. This bottleneck has limited the widespread application of artificial breeding techniques.
The technical complexity of blue crab breeding lies in successfully raising large-eyed larvae into viable juvenile crabs. To address this, Xiamen University has worked on improving breeding models and promoting the use of early-stage juveniles. These efforts have spread from Anhui to Guangdong, Guangxi, and Zhejiang, advancing blue crab farming technology across China. Despite progress, standardization of cultivation methods and breeding techniques remains a challenge.
The intermediate cultivation of blue crab seedlings involves rearing large-eyed larvae into small crabs measuring 1.2–1.8 cm. This step is vital for the success of artificial breeding. Achieving the required size and health of juveniles can greatly improve survival rates and economic returns. Key factors include pond construction, habitat setup, feeding practices, water quality control, and disease prevention.
Pond construction typically uses either concrete or earthen pools, located near seedling sources with access to clean water. Hidden objects like oyster shells are added to reduce cannibalism and improve survival. Before stocking, ponds must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Seedlings are introduced gradually to avoid temperature shock, with density adjusted based on environment and feeding conditions.
Daily management includes feeding, water quality monitoring, and disease control. Feeding starts with Artemia and copepods, transitioning to commercial feeds as crabs grow. Water quality parameters such as salinity, temperature, and pH must be carefully maintained. Regular removal of debris and uneaten food helps prevent pollution.
Disease prevention focuses on maintaining hygiene, using disinfectants, and providing balanced nutrition. Observations should be made regularly to detect changes in behavior, water quality, and potential threats. With proper care, survival rates can reach 50%–60% during metamorphosis and 40%–50% for juveniles. These practices are essential for the long-term success of blue crab farming.